Royally Not Ready(134)

I knew Henrik was too good.

“I, uh . . . I’ve been trying to express to her how I feel, how I love her, through poems.”

Theo cracks the smallest of smiles. “Ah, I see, taking a cue from some of our ancestors?”

“Something like that,” I say. “Since I wouldn’t see her every day, going to public events I knew she’d be attending would give me a small chance to show her how much I love her. How much I want her in my life.”

“I see. And has it worked?”

I shake my head, hanging it in front of me. “No, I don’t believe so. She hasn’t contacted me.”

Theo slowly nods. “And this is more important to you than your job?”

I swallow hard and look Theo in the eyes. “If I give up one thing, it would be the job. I can’t give up on her.”

His grin stretches wider. “Good answer.” He shifts on my bed. “Now, it’s to my understanding that she misses you. Between reports from Lara, Henrik, and Runa, they all believe she’d take you back in a heartbeat.”

“They told you that?” I ask, hope springing in my chest. “Lara hasn’t said anything to me and I see her every night.”

“The power of being king,” Theo says with that grin I know and love. “And I’ve heard from the head of staff that while you’ve been suspended, you’ve been helping out wherever it’s needed. Instead of sulking in your room, you’ve still contributed to the monarchy in the best way you know how. That, to me, speaks volumes about your character and the exceptional man you are, Keller.”

“Thank you. Strombly, and the people inside of it, mean everything to me.”

Theo nods. “Does it mean enough to you to set aside what your parents once told you?”

“Yes,” I say. “I realized I was trying to uphold their ideals despite being outdated, and I realize how foolish that’s been.”

“Ah, so during this time of suspension, you’ve finally found some much-needed clarity?”

“Yes,” I answer.

“Then, I shall reinstate you as Lilija’s private secretary, beginning tomorrow morning.”

I grip the arms of my chair, my fingers digging into the wood. “Really?” I ask.

“Yes, but we shall be looking for your replacement and training them as soon as possible.”

My brow creases. “But—”

Theo holds his hand up. “My boy, if you say you love Lilija as you do, and I can see her love for you, there will be wedding bells in the future, which means you’ll be placed into a different role.”

Understanding crosses my mind. “Oh.”

Theo straightens up. “You realize the responsibility that will ensue, correct? She’ll be queen, and you’ll be her prince, her advisor, her advocate, her protector, her shield, and her rock. Will you be able to handle that without running away?”

My skin breaks out in a sweat. The answer to his question is monumental, and without a second thought, I know what to say, because I feel it deep in my soul.

“It would be my absolute honor.”

Theo’s eyes soften as they sparkle back at me. He holds his hand out to me and I take it. He gives me a squeeze.

“I’m not sure you realize the impact of that statement, but it truly gives me hope for the future of Torskethorpe.” Theo rises from the bed and grips his cane as he says, “Report first thing in the morning.”

“I will.” I stand as well, and when we both pause, looking each other in the eyes, Theo opens his arms, and I take what he’s offering. I wrap my arms around him and hug him tightly.

He pats my back and quietly says, “I love you, my boy.”

Tears fill my eyes as I clutch him tightly. “I love you, too.”

When Theo releases me, he cups my cheek. “Don’t mess this up. Lilija is a once-in-a-lifetime love.”

“I promise you, I’ll spend the rest of my life honoring her and the love she has for me. You have my word.”

He pats my cheek. “I know I do.” And then he takes off, leaving me stunned.

I sit back in my chair just as Lara walks through the door, a wary look on her face. “Please tell me that conversation was a good one.”

I smile up at her. “Lara, it was a fucking amazing one.”





Chapter Twenty-Seven





LILLY





“This dress is beautiful,” I say to Runa as I look at myself in the standing mirror in my bathroom. A baby-blue wrap dress with lace details, lace sleeves, and a ruffle hem. It’s stunning, and I still can’t believe I get to wear clothes like this. Plus . . . it’s so soft. I keep touching the fabric, which I need to stop doing because if I do that in public, it’ll look like I’m feeling myself up.

“I believe it’s my favorite so far,” Runa says as she adjusts the tie in the back. “Have you seen the style blogs that’ve been popping up about you?”

“No. Are you serious? Ha, if they only knew what I really like to wear. Although, this dress is comfortable and flattering. Would it be horrible to see what other dresses this designer has?”

“Not at all. She’s local, actually.”

“Really?” I ask. “I like that a lot. She does great work.” I adjust my hair, which we curled into soft waves and pinned back on the sides. “Okay, I think I’m ready.”